Incompatibility of Fischer−Tropsch Diesel with Petroleum and Soybean Biodiesel Blends

Abstract

The Department of Defense is the largest consumer of middle distillate fuels. It has been recommended that alternative fuel sources be considered as replacements or blending stocks for middle distillate ground transportation and marine fuels. Therefore, the search for suitable replacements or blending stocks is earnestly continuing. Renewable agricultural crops such as soybeans and others are now in the forefront. Nonrenewable synthetic fuels such as those produced by Fischer−Tropsch, FT, synthesis from coal and natural gas have been suggested. It is probable that several of these substitutes would be simultaneously blended into a middle distillate petroleum based diesel fuel. Care must be employed when blending fuels so that fuel specifications and storage stability are not decreased. This paper compares the storage stability of a three-part mixture consisting of Fischer−Tropsch diesel, a petroleum diesel, and a 5% and 10% soy biodiesel under ambient conditions.